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Chatham County, GA Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Weed/grass limit
18 inches maximum height (Sec. 21-502)
Debris burning
Own weed/pest/storm debris only
Burn location
Only on generating property
Defensible space
No California-style mandate here
Abatement
County may clear and bill owner

Summary

Chatham County Code Sec. 21-502 requires premises be kept clear of overgrown grass or weeds eighteen (18) inches or more in height. For disposal, Sec. 21-306 lets residents burn their own yard and storm debris for weed, pest and disease abatement, but only under the open-burning exceptions near cities.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Any overgrown grass or weeds of a height of eighteen (18) inches or more or any other unkempt vegetation in any yard, front, side or rear.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Two rules govern vegetation. Property-maintenance Sec. 21-502 makes it unlawful to allow overgrown grass or weeds of a height of eighteen (18) inches or more, or other unkempt vegetation, that could endanger health or safety or impair neighboring property values. For disposal, Sec. 21-306 allows on-site burning of your own materials for weed abatement, disease and pest prevention and disposal of vegetative debris from storm damage, but only on the property that generated the waste and, near cities or subdivisions, only under the listed exceptions. Chatham is coastal lowcountry, so there is no California-style defensible-space mandate; the Georgia Forestry Commission manages wildland fuels and no longer requires a permit for hand-piled leaf and limb burning.

Violations & Fines

Overgrowth and open-burning violations are Code offenses. The county may notify the owner, abate the nuisance, and charge costs; penalties reach a $500 fine and/or 30 days, each day a separate offense (Sec. 21-309, Sec. 21-506).

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can weeds or grass get in Chatham County?
Code Sec. 21-502 bars overgrown grass or weeds 18 inches or more, or other unkempt vegetation, where it threatens health, safety, or neighboring property values. The county can abate and bill you.
Can I burn brush I clear from my yard?
Only your own material, for weed/pest/disease control or storm-debris disposal, on the property that generated it (Sec. 21-306). Near cities or subdivisions the open-burning limits apply; composting or curbside pickup is encouraged.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsFireworksHeavy RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsOutdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsEnvironmental Rules: Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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